BOCA RATON — Maxwell Reid set the tone on the second play of the game, and West Boca Raton's defense never let up while returning from an early-season bye week.
Reid intercepted a pass on Spanish River's opening drive and added a forced fumble, two sacks and constant pressure throughout the night as the Bulls rolled to a 36-0 victory Friday.
The linebacker has emerged as one of the early stars of West Boca's season, and he was once again at the center of a dominant defensive performance. Through two games, the Bulls (2-0) have allowed just seven points.
"The first thing I'm trying to do is set the tone. We came out, had a safety, put some points on the board as a defense," Reid said. "We had about four turnovers, and I think we need to turn more
of those into points."
West Boca continues defensive dominance
After opening the regular season with a 24-7 victory over defending FHSAA state champion American Heritage, West Boca followed it with its first shutout since last December's state championship win over West Broward.
The Bulls swarmed Spanish River quarterback Jaedan Phillips for four quarters, limited the running game and forced five turnovers.
Reid's interception was one of three by West Boca. Defensive end Javion Harrington and cornerback Larry Morgan also recorded interceptions, while the Bulls forced and recovered a fumble and recovered a muffed kick.
West Boca's special teams also delivered a key spark by recovering an onside kick in the second quarter.
Bulls' deep rushing attack powers offense
While the defense controlled the game, West Boca's deep stable of running backs ensured the offense never lost momentum.
Quarterback Trey Moran opened the scoring with a short touchdown run early in the second quarter. Moran frequently escaped the pocket and extended plays with his legs throughout the night.
Later in the second quarter, Terriel "Wally" Harmon scored on a short touchdown run to give the Bulls a 16-0 lead.
Quinton Miller Jr. added a pair of big plays, including a goal-line touchdown and a 30-yard touchdown run, the longest offensive play of the night for West Boca.
The Bulls continued to wear down Spanish River in the fourth quarter. Jacorrion McCray punched in a four-yard touchdown run before Anderson Gracilien broke free for a long scoring run that sealed the 36-0 victory.
"Our job as coaches is to make sure week in week out that everyone's getting enough touches where they can contribute because they all bring a different skillset to the table," West Boca coach Dylan Potz said before Friday's game.
Looking ahead
The victory improved the nationally ranked Bulls to 2-0 and reinforced the standard they have set through the first two weeks of the season.
With a defense that has surrendered just seven points, a rushing attack featuring multiple contributors and a playmaker like Reid leading the way, West Boca appears poised for another deep postseason run.
"We set a standard, we have to remain consistent," Reid said. "Stacking performances, and before we know it, it'll be the Super 8 final, and West Boca will be showing who they are."
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Boca Raton football blanks Spanish River, forces five turnovers
